Brand Name
PMS-Dexamethasone
Common Name
dexamethasone
In this drug factsheet:
DIN (Drug Identification Number)| 01946897 | PMS DEXAMETHASONE 0.5MG/5ML ELIXIR |
| 01964976 | PMS DEXAMETHASONE 0.5MG TABLET |
| 01964968 | PMS DEXAMETHASONE 0.75MG TABLET |
| 02279363 | PMS-DEXAMETHASONE 2MG TABLET |
| 01964070 | PMS DEXAMETHASONE 4MG TABLET |
How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
Dexamethasone belongs to the group of medications known as corticosteroids. It may be used to treat a wide variety of conditions. It can be used to replace cortisone in people who are deficient in cortisone. It can also be used to treat a number of other conditions, including respiratory diseases (such as asthma), skin diseases, severe allergies, certain eye diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, certain blood disorders, and certain types of cancer. In all of these conditions, inflammation plays a part in causing disease. This medication works by reducing inflammation.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
How should I use this medication?
The recommended dose varies widely according to the condition being treated and the circumstances of the person being treated.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
Large doses of corticosteroids should be taken with meals, and antacids should be taken between meals to help to prevent stomach ulcers and stomach upset.
It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Elixir
Each 5 mL of clear, red, raspberry-flavoured elixir contains dexamethasone 0.5 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: sucrose, propylene glycol, benzoic acid, alcohol methylparaben, propylparaben,citric acid, artificial raspberry flavour, and FD&C Red No. 40.
Tablets
0.5 mg
Each cream coloured, pentagonal, flat, bevelled-edged tablet, debossed with a "P" logo over a score line and "084" under it on one side, and plain on the other side, contains dexamethasone 0.5 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: lactose, microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, D&C Yellow No. 10 Aluminum Lake, stearic acid, and magnesium stearate.
0.75 mg
Each blue, pentagonal, flat, bevelled-edged, scored tablet, debossed with a "P" logo over a score line and "085" under it on one side, and plain on the other side, contains dexamethasone 0.75 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: lactose, microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, FD&C Blue No. 1 Aluminum Lake, D&C Yellow No. 10 Aluminum Lake, stearic acid, and magnesium stearate.
2 mg
Each white, pentagonal, flat, bevelled-edge tablet, debossed with a "P" logo over a score line and "086" under it on one side, and plain on the other side, contains dexamethasone 2 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: croscarmellose sodium, lactose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, and stearic acid.
4 mg
Each white, pentagonal, flat, bevelled-edged, scored tablet, debossed with a "P" logo over a score line and "087" under it on one side, and plain on the other side, contains dexamethasone 4 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: lactose, microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, stearic acid, and magnesium stearate.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Do not take dexamethasone if you:
- are allergic to dexamethasone or any ingredients of the medication
- have an internal fungal infection
- have tuberculosis (although there are special exceptions)
Anyone currently taking this medication should not receive a live virus vaccine.
